NHL Rumors: Analyst Predicts 3 Specific Trades On the Way

If you're a fan of Ray Ferraro you know he was a one-time prolific NHL goal scoring machine that's now working in media on both sides of the border for TSN and ESPN. He also happens to be very in tune with the NHL and it also doesn't hurt when your wife is a scout for the league's newest franchise. ESPN recently released some bold predictions, and turns out Ferraro sees a trio of trades happening before Mar.21 trade deadline.

Edmonton Oilers Trade for a Goalie

Ferraro went out of his way to not mention names in any of the trade predictions but sees the Oilers giving in and upgrading their goaltending position. Many have questioned their interest in band-aid solutions and feel the team needs to find the goalie of the future. Edmonton is currently four points out of a playoff spot with three teams to leap frog. Their struggles in the crease have been well documented and change is needed and Ferraro sees a move coming soon. Personally, I'd expect them to check in on Columbus Blue Jackets netminder Joonas Korpisalo, Seattle Kraken's Chris Driedger or New York Rangers number two Alexandar Georgiev. The trio could become long-term solutions for the franchise. Landing someone like Martin Jones from the Philadelphia Flyers or Anton Khudobin from the Dallas Stars is a short term fix that really makes no sense.

Florida Panthers Add Top-Four Defenseman

The Panthers are a powerhouse and only getting better. They are solid from top to bottom of their lineup and have been putting teams away with ease this season. Their only real hole is their depth on defense and Ferraro sees the Panthers adding to their top-four. Names like Jakob Chychrun from the Arizona Coyotes and Mark Giordano from the Kraken have been linked to the team in the past couple of weeks. Look for them to see what the Chicago Blackhawks are doing with some of their blueliners as well.

New York Rangers Add Top-Six Forward

Ferraro sees the Rangers as legit contenders and thinks they add a top-six forward before the trade deadline. The team has been linked to several big names over the past few days including Claude Giroux of the Flyers, Joe Pavelski of the Dallas Stars and Phil Kessel of the Coyotes. The Rangers have a solid team led by Igor Shesterkin in the crease and Adam Fox on the blue line and if they can add another forward to their mix, they'll be very hard to beat in a playoff series. Let's see if Ferraro nails any of his predictions but it certainly feels like these three deals are very likely to happen.

Photo credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports